A Scarborough RT would be beneficial

Re Scarborough RT failures chilly sign of what’s coming, Feb, 4 When speaking to the recent closures experienced on Line 3, we should also mention that the U.P.X. was also closed, as was the open stretch of Line 2 between Warden and Victoria Park, and open portions of Line 1. I’m pretty sure GO lines also suffered. But spending billions on a 3-stop subway extension to Shephard is pointless unless the tunnelling starts at Victoria Park. Whereas an updated 7 stop LRT (with track cleaning ability on the front and rear cars as well as 3rd rails) would happen so much faster and already has the approved funding. Stop this under-funded subway nonsense and build a modern 7 stop LRT. Show some responsibility to the beleagered taxpayers of Ontario. Richard Kadziewicz, Scarborough When the RT extension to the Scarborough Town Centre was opened in the day, it was approved as an experiment because costs and ridership were unproved. Moving tens of thousands of commuters each week for dozens of years has proven to be a success! Unfortunately, successive governments at all levels failed to upgrade the initial system or to grasp the enor- mous cost savings of an above-ground public transit system being built in many cities worldwide. Improvements to the existing RT might prove to be a useful stop gap pending future transit expansion. Paul Cosgrove, former Scarborough mayor and metro executive committee I think the RT should be saved. Winter issues can be eliminated by wrapping the entire track with a cover — an above-ground tunnel. This would eliminate weather issues we face. It would be significantly cheaper than tunnelling. The cover could be of solid material with skylights or side view panels. This would make for a far more interesting ride. Other benefits are much more significant. First, the weather issue is eliminated. Secondly, all existing stops with bus connections are maintained and no new stations need to be built. Third, with clever design and engineering, it may be possible to install the wrap while maintaining full operation of the line. Fourth, no new rights of way have to be procured. If this idea seems a bit too crazy, look at our snowsheds over portions of mainline railroad tracks in the mountains. George Novotny, Toronto